Below is the story of how Chatbaka transformed from first launch to its second large iteration.

We launched the first version of Chatbaka on April 15th, 2015,as an app designed to help people stay connected while driving to their destinations.

We started withChat on a Map...

Speak to send voice messages.

Listen to replies read out loud.

Navigate and chat without having to switch apps.

Discover places nearby, share locations and ETAs.

Coordinate pick-ups, carpools, etc much easier.

How did people like it?

An application like this is awesome. The fact that I can wave my hand, it activates and starts recording. Very cool app.

— Peter, 39

Great! But can my friends see where I am right now? What do they see when I send them a message?

— Khanh, 26

how did we respond?

Overall, the concept of the app was well received, however we may have added too many features, too early, which leads to confused new users and a decreased retention rate. With multiple test sessions and analyzing data, we identified areas for improvement.

After launching the update, we saw a nearly 2000% increase in our usage, adoption, total sessions, etc.

update: all about communication

We chose to focus on messaging as the core priority of the app and simplified the features set by several leading points, including:

Driver Friendliness

Cross-Device Messaging

Easy Adoptability

EASY TAP TARGETS

This glance-able design keeps drivers' eyes on the road. No more reaching for that small icon. See your group in a split avatar, and swipe left to easily switch to your most recent group.

Auto-play messages

Hear incoming messages read out loud as you drive. Voice queues avoid having to look at your screen. The purple background indicates you're in playback mode.

Group management

Access your groups list in an instant. Large tiles create tappable areas if you switch groups while on-the-go. Groups with unchecked messages get pinned to the top, and your most recent group will always be on the top left.

Talk to text

Record your voice in 10 seconds and a transcript is sent to your group, along with a voice file. These messages can be sent to any device via MMS.

Text MODE

Use Text Mode when you're not driving, but your friends may be. Send a text to them, and it gets read aloud. Keep all your friends safe. Listen to past audio messages.

Tap the top notification bar to instantly switch groups and catch up on the latest messages.